'You Have Me to Love is an intense and dramatic novel filled with
meticulous use of detail and a forensic psychological accuracy. Its
power comes from the fierce energy of the narrative structure, the way
of handling silence and pain, and the ability to confront the darkest
areas of experience with clear-eyed sympathy and care. Jaap Robben
handles delicate, dangerous material with subtlety and sympathy, but
also with a visionary sense of truth that is masterly and
unforgettable.' --Colm Tóibín
Mikael lives with his parents on an island somewhere between Scotland
and Norway. One day Mikael's father saves him from drowning in the
ocean, but is himself thrown against the rocks by a wave and disappears
under water. In shock and unable to speak, Mikael blocks out the memory
of what took place, silently joining his mother in the search for his
missing father. As Mikael's mother realizes her husband has drowned, the
relationship between her and Mikael transforms: she slowly starts to
unravel, forcing the son to replace his father in every possible way.
